We left snow-covered southeastern Wisconsin for Missouri, which was supposed to be stormy. We anticipated warmer weather, too. As we entered St. Louis, we encountered rain. It didn't stop raining until we reached Rolla, which was our destination for the next three nights. The rain changed to harder rain, then to rain mixed with blobs of snow. Even though the snow let up, the heavy rain accompanied us all the way. The DP WRX all-wheel drive and the Bridgestone BlizzakTM tires cut through the water without missing a beat.

The predicted warmer weather didn't appear, with temperatures well below the promised highs. It didn't do much for convincing family members that rally can be a lot of fun. When we awoke on Friday morning, a dusting of snow gave tree branches definition when viewed from the west. Temperatures never rose higher than the mid-30s, and I didn't have the appropriate gloves and boots to keep my fingers and toes from going numb while standing at spectator points.

The Super Specials at the park in Potosi gave everyone a chance to watch the cars hit water, left over from the previous day's drenching. Everything was soaked and muddy. But that's what helps to make this a pure form of racing.

Travel to the spectator points was as much fun as watching the cars plow through mud and potholes and water. Lane-and-a-half-wide gravel/rock/mud roads gave DP WRX a workout, highlighted by fording a stream that was at least as high as the floor. (The car took it all without a wince.)

In a road atlas of Missouri, take a look at the area surrounding Potosi, Steelville, Salem, and Viburnum. These state and county roads can be tortuous, with plenty of curves and steep hills. Although not mountainous, this part of the county provides great fun for driving enthusiasts.

We emerged cold and muddy from our two days following SRT USA, and I'm ready to do it again!

At the end of the rally weekend, Travis Hanson/Terry Hanson still lead in the 2011 National Championship standings with their Super Production WRX STI. They led the Super Production group and finished 4th overall.

SRT USA's David Higgins finished 2nd to Antoine L'Estage/Nathalie Richard by only 17.7 seconds, and Dave Mirra followed in 3rd. Here's how the team stands after the second of six rounds.

SRT USA Performance in the 2011 RallyCar National Championship

Event

Date/Location

Drivers

Finishing Position

Driver Standings

Round 1Sno*Drift Rally

January 28-29Atlanta, MI

David Higgins

DNF1

—

Dave Mirra

2

2

Round 2100 Acre Wood

February 25-26Salem, MO

David Higgins

2

4

Dave Mirra

3

2

1 Engine

The field consisted of a large number of Subaru rally cars. Most of them are shown below. Plus, find more coverage online on the YouTube and RallyCar sites.